Service technicians are leaving their jobs at a relatively early age while fewer apprentices are coming into the industry to replace them.

This is one of the key findings of the RMI/Sewells Retail Motor Industry Pay Guide. If the trend continues, the Pay Guide predicts the current shortage of skilled technicians will worsen considerably over the next decade.

Matthew Carrington, chief executive of the RMI, says the Pay Guide research into staff turnover and skills shortages “makes uncomfortable reading”. Carrington also comments on the lack of non-contributory pension schemes in the sector, another issue revealed by the Pay Guide.

“Perhaps like most businesses in the private sector, the retail motor industry is looking for leadership on pensions, which the Government has sadly neglected to provide,” he says.

Based on 690 responses from franchised dealers, independent garages, and franchised and independent bodyshops, the 2004 Pay Guide gives details of pay and conditions for 26 (27 nationally) franchised dealer jobs and 15 (17 nationally) independent garage jobs across nine regions of the UK.

The survey assesses 15,539 staff and covers employment conditions and benefits including bonus and overtime pay, bonus scheme structures, hours worked, holidays, and benefits-in-kind including car provision, private-use fuel, pensions and medical cover. For a copy of the 2004 RMI/ Sewells Retail Motor Industry Pay Guide, including a free CD, priced £120, call Sewells on 01733 468254.